While this week has stayed relatively calm, clear and settled – thanks to a large anticyclone sitting over the country – the coming weekend is set to see some more weather variety with wind, and some potentially heavy rain, in the mix.

Thursday 21st

A high pressure system continues to keep the weather under control.
There is the chance of a morning fog patch about the inner South and North Islands, however.

Friday 22nd

A ridge lies over the North Island on Friday, while a northwest airflow builds over the South Island.
There’s the chance of early fog for the inner North Island on Friday, too.
Rain may become heavy on the West Coast of the South Island overnight, while beyond that, northwesterly winds about the Cook Strait area will be gusty at times from afternoon onwards.

Saturday 23rd

Rain on the West Coast of the South Island may bring a few heavy falls during the day as a front moves northwards, then also to the southwestern corner of the North Island overnight.
Northwesterly winds, meanwhile, from Canterbury up through to the Cook Strait area will be gusty – especially strong about Cook Strait, with winds possibly touching gale force at times.

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Photo: Ian Ray